Anyone ever had shin splints?

[grohl]

Last time I had them was like 10 yrs ago in high school running track.

I am a runner to this day for 10+ yrs and never had them so bad. Granted I needed a new pair of shoes, which I got, but still no better.

I haven't run in like 2 weeks now, which is driving me crazy. I am at the point of being able to walk pain free now, but even running a few steps causes SEVERE pain in my right shin only.

I know rest and ice is helpful. Is there any other rehab or stretching anyone would recommend? I know I could Google the answer but wanted to see if anyone had some good personal recommendations.

 

[SWScorch]

If you are a chronic runner, are you sure it's shin splints and not a stress fracture? I was diagnosed with shin splints last year, after running for 7 years and never getting them, but it turned out to be a stress fracture. Your description sounds a LOT like how I felt. Walking was okay, but the instant I started running, the pain would be so unbearable that I couldn't support my weight on the affected leg.

If you do just have a really bad case of shin splints, all you can do is rest, ice, stretch, and do some shin-strengthening exercises like hanging a heavy bag off your toes while sitting with your feet in the air (like on a table) and doing toe raises.

 

[RKS]

R.I.C.E. and anti-inflammatories work great. mine were from improper arch support for my running shoes. the aforementioned exercises will help. i was also given a large elastic band, advised to lay on my back, and do toe raises against the band. (sorry if that exercise description is cryptic).

 

[MikeMike]

i have shin splints now, atleast i believe i do.

it kills to walk, and going downhill walking is the worst pain ever.

o well, they will go away.

 

[Coquito]

Running on a treadmill the night before helps me.

 

[olds]

I got them in the Army in 1983. Running 4-6 miles a day in boots.
I still have them to this day.

 

[Megatomic]

Argh! Yes, I got mine from BMXing and soccer when I was a kid. Lots of harsh repetitive shock on my legs.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Actually, ice and ibuprofen have done me well. I had them this entire track season, and I would ice them at night, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, 2-3 times. Take one ibuprofen at night before you sleep (helps body with the swelling). I also use those braces that keep the muscle tight and together. Since shins splints is just the back calf muscle getting too large, 'causing the front muscle to pull away from the bone, these braces actually really helped. I didn't feel 'em most of the time. Good luck with 'em, man.

 

[grohl]

Good thought on the stress fracture. What would I do if I had one? Just rest it longer? Like, 6 wks? Doubt casting would be necessary.

Anyone heard of taping or compression wraps being helpful? Might try and run tomorrow with a good tape job.

What do you mean by "braces"?

 

[Savij]

Stop asking us because this isn't a normal shin splint. This is go ask a professional before you wake up with a 3 year "shin splint".

 

[Coolone]

I think I have a mild case of it. My right shin has been hurting, but not so bad that I cant move around. I havnt gone running in about a week, I think I'm going to try that ibuprofin & ice thing. I've also just been resting the leg sine I last went running, which seems to have helped some.

 

[saxophonoia]

I had a case in High school when i ran track. Man those things hurt.

 

[Ricemarine]

I got shin splints recently, and boy did it suck...

 

[SVT Cobra]

I've had them, but they have never stopped me from running. Just stretch and take some pain killers.

If they suddenly get really bad (you'll know it) stop, then it could be a stress fracture.

 

[SirChadwick]

I've had them once or twice... shin splints usually go away after 2-3 days if you stay off your feet. I think you have something a little more serious or you're just a p|_|ssy